For The Dialog
WILMINGTON – Padua and Ursuline resumed their volleyball rivalry Wednesday night at Ursuline, and Padua took this edition in straight sets, 25-18, 25-14 and 25-21. The Pandas jumped out early and did not look back.
They started the first set scoring seven straight points, including two thunderous kills by freshman Emily Jarome. A block by senior Vanessa Crumety a bit later increased the advantage to 14-4. Trailing 22-12, Ursuline made things interesting, as senior Madelyn Hughes served up three aces and three service winners to cut it to 22-18. Padua senior Stephanie Annone helped right the ship, drilling two kills in the final three points to give the Pandas the set.
The second game was back and forth, and tied at 12 when Padua went on a run, scoring 13 of the last 15 points. Senior Haley Baker contributed with strong serving, while freshman Emma Lucey and junior Lauren Mellor added the power.
The final set was tied 10 times, and at one point Ursuline led, 18-15. Padua rebounded to take a 21-20 lead, then Jarome finished off the match with two big kills.
Jarome had 15 kills, while Annone had nine to lead Padua (5-2). The Pandas waste no time getting back to work as they host Tower Hill Thursday night at 7:15 p.m. in a rematch of last year’s state championship.
Ursuline fell to 3-3 and travels to Newark Charter Friday afternoon at 5 p.m.
